Summary
Highlights
The video begins by outlining the topics to be covered, including the meaning of El Filibusterismo, the historical context of its writing, Rizal's situation, the people who helped him, the themes, the differences from Noli Me Tángere, and the Gomburza story. 'Filibusterismo' or 'the reign of greed' refers to critics, traitors, and those who oppose the friars and the Catholic Church.
In 1885, Rizal drafted El Filibusterismo while writing Noli Me Tángere. By March 1887, Noli Me Tángere was published. In 1888, Rizal left the Philippines due to Governor General Emilio Terrero's suggestion and traveled to various countries. He began writing El Filibusterismo in London in 1889. The novel was completed in March 1891, and a copy was sent to his friend Jose Alejandro in Ghent, Belgium.
In August 1891, printing was halted due to lack of funds, almost leading Rizal to burn the book. However, Valentin Ventura provided financial aid, allowing the novel to be reprinted in September 1891. Due to financial constraints, Rizal reduced the number of chapters from 40 to 39. He sent copies to Hong Kong, but they were confiscated and destroyed by Spanish authorities in the Philippines. El Filibusterismo significantly influenced Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan in 1896.
While writing, Rizal faced financial difficulties, often starving, and experienced betrayal from his companions in La Solidaridad. The loss of Leonor Rivera also influenced characters like Paulita Gomez and Juanito Pelaez. El Filibusterismo is dedicated to the three martyred priests, Gomburza: Mariano Gómez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora.
Jose Alejandro shared rent and food with Rizal. Jose Maria Basa in Hong Kong helped Rizal get some money. Valentin Ventura sent money to Rizal, enabling the printing of El Filibusterismo, and he also held the original manuscript of the novel.
The themes originated from personal experiences such as the hardships faced by his family in Calamba, the confiscation of their lands by friars, and the heartbreak from Leonor Rivera's unfaithfulness. The lack of unity among Filipinos also served as a critical theme.
Noli Me Tángere, printed in Germany with financial help from Maximo Viola, is dedicated to the Motherland, a social novel depicting Filipino life, customs, and societal ills, and a romantic novel fostering love for the Philippines. El Filibusterismo, printed in Ghent with help from Valentin Ventura, is a political novel written for Filipinos, showing plans for revolution and highlighting governance by Spanish priests, civil authorities, and the church. It evokes feelings of indignation and aims to awaken the desire for true freedom and rights.
The Gomburza—Mariano Gómez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora—were martyred priests falsely accused of initiating the Cavite Mutiny in 1872. They were implicated because they were influential priests. Rizal's inspiration from these martyrs came from a story shared by his brother, Paciano.